Researchers Bring Machine Learning Closer to Human-like Performance

Researchers have introduced a computer model that learns a new concept much like humans do, from a single or very few examples. An artist’s interpretation comparing a human and machine model for learning a new class of alphabet symbols. | Danqing Wang Researchers have created a computer model that captures humans’ unique ability to learn new concepts from just a few examples, a new study in the 11 December issue of Science reports. The model is capable of learning handwritten characters from an array of global alphabets, classifying them into their alphabet category, and drawing new examples that look “right” as judged by humans. “For the first time, we think we have a machine that learns the way humans do,” said study co-author Josh Tenebaum, professor of computational cognitive science…